Housing Guide

Finding suitable housing is the first priority upon arrival. Costs vary dramatically by neighborhood and type.

Cost by Type

Studio / Small Apartments: RM 1,000-1,500 (furnished)

• Single room with kitchenette, private bathroom, usually furnished, building facilities

3-Bedroom Units: RM 2,000-2,400

• 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, living room, usually furnished

Master Room in Shared House (Kos): RM 750-1,000 (furnished)

• Large private room with bathroom, shared common areas, usually includes WiFi, utilities (except AC)

Medium Room in Shared House (Kos): RM 800 average

• Decent-sized room, shared bathroom, furnished, internet and utilities included (minus AC)

Small Room / Budget Kos: < RM 500

• Basic room, no AC or limited AC, shared facilities

Deposit

Standard: 2.5 months rent

Example: RM 800 rent = RM 2,000 deposit upfront

Additional costs: First month rent, utility connection fees (if not included), agent fees (if applicable)

Budget for moving: Have 3-4 months rent available (deposit + first month + buffer)

Recommended Areas

Bangsar South

• Modern apartment complexes, mix of expats and Malaysians, good facilities
• Near expat community, quality housing, good restaurants nearby
• Premium prices, traffic during peak

Kuchai Lama

• Established neighborhood, heavy Chinese community
• Abundant cheap food options, well-connected, affordable housing
• Less green space, busy area

Sri Petaling

• Similar to Kuchai Lama, mix of residential and commercial
• Cheap eats available, good public transport, active nightlife
• Can be noisy, traffic

Old Klang Road

• Major arterial road, apartment clusters
• Various housing types, central location, more affordable than city center
• Heavy traffic, pollution (traffic like Sudirman in Jakarta)

Subang

• University town feel, young population
• Excellent public transport (LRT), cheap food abundant, energetic vibe
• Heavy Chinese community, can feel crowded

TTDI & Semantan

• Affluent residential, established neighborhood
• Many quality apartments, mix of expats and locals, greener
• Higher costs, food more expensive

Ampang

• Northeast of city center, near KLCC
• Lower rent, near city center, Malay food abundant
• Crime rate higher in some areas, varies block by block

Asia Jaya

• Near Bangsar South, transit-oriented
• Near Bangsar South amenities, LRT access, reasonable prices
• Less prestigious address, some areas older

Cheras

• Southeast KL, established residential
• Cheap food, good MRT connectivity, affordable housing
• Heavy Chinese community, can be far from city center jobs

Areas to Avoid

Brickfields

• Near KL Sentral, strategic location
• 70% Indian, 30% Malay food options, limited Chinese food (especially halal)
• Only if budget tight and you cook at home
• Nu Sentral mall has food court with variety

Mont Kiara

• Japanese and Korean expat area, expensive
• No adequate public transport

Golden Triangle (Bukit Bintang, KLCC, Masjid Jamek)

• Tourist/central business district
• Premium rents, noisy, crowded

Serdang

• No good public transport
• Mostly Arab food

Bangsar (not Bangsar South)

• Established affluent area
• High costs

Kepong

• Far from everywhere, mostly houses not apartments
• Long commutes

Puchong

• Traffic nightmare. Getting into Puchong is jammed. Getting out of Puchong is jammed.

Shah Alam

• Public transport is bad
• Like "mini Aceh" (strict religious atmosphere)
• Food mostly Malay and Kelantanese only

Near PPR (Public Housing)

• Religious police are strict
• Unless non-Muslim, may face restrictions

Finding Housing

Websites:

• mudah.my (popular, but beware scams - verify before paying deposits)
• iProperty.com.my
• PropertyGuru

Scam warning signs:

• Requesting deposit before viewing
• Prices too good to be true
• Pushy agents
• No proper viewing allowed

Viewing Checklist

Inspect: Air conditioning, water pressure, WiFi speed, security, nearby food options, distance to public transport, noise levels (day and night), parking (if needed)

Questions to ask: Exact monthly rent, what's included (utilities, internet, cleaning), deposit amount and return conditions, minimum contract period, notice period for moving out, guest policy, maintenance response time.

Budget Planning

Sample monthly housing costs (single):